Colourful and creative Basingstoke Festival returns for 2026

Basingstoke Festival 19th June - 5th July

Three Weekends, credit Paul Blakemore

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.

Hampshire Events

2026 is packed full with exciting moments to share, and events to enjoy. This summer the Utilita Bowl near Southampton will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13th –20th June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13th July - 13th September (F). 

For three weekends in June, the streets of Basingstoke town centre will be filled with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class preformances with the Basingstoke Festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary - free to visit (F). Whilst in Alton Hampshire head along to the Jane Austen Regency week which runs from 19th - 28th June and includes the chance to  join Jane Austen's family at Chawton House for a Regency picnic. Look to the skies in July, as the Farnborough International Airshow returns with its public open day on the 24th July 26, offering the chance to see aircraft and flying displays, augmented reality and hands-on activities and exhibits, whilst Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today and make sure you don't miss some of Hampshire top events within your plans.

Spa Day at Hilton Southampton Utilita Bowl

What's on in the Hampshire in May, June and July?

Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the up-coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.

What's on in Hampshire today?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Number of results:

Number of results: 162

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. May at Go Ape Moors Valley

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Ashley Heath, Ringwood

    Looking for things to do this May half term in Dorset? Escape the ordinary and head
    to Go Ape Moors Valley, set among the rolling woodland just outside Bournemouth, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

    Perfect for families, friends, and thrill…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  2. Simply Mercedes

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.

    All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  3. Cruise from Poole Quay to The Needles with the Dorset Mutineers

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    See the sights of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks and Hengistbury Head, before sailing to the Needles themselves, one of the most photographed and iconic coastal locations in the UK. We will later return to our…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
  4. Newport Main Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Newport

    Newport Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Carnival fever comes to the island's capital town, various locations around Newport.

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026
  5. Simply VW

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply VW on Sunday 24 May 2026.

    All VW owners were invited to park up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for both enthusiasts and owners. All ages and models of VW are welcome, which…

    Dates

    From:
    24 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. Mini Cooper Register National Mini Day

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of National Mini Day on Sunday 14 June 2026.

    Join the Mini Cooper Register for National Mini Day, as one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Mini calendar returns to Beaulieu.

    National Mini Day…

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  7. Newport Illuminated Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Newport

    Newport Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the carnival fun with Newport's Illuminated procession!

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2026
  8. Isle of Wight Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Newport

    The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026to21 June 2026
  9. The Paint Club painting party at The Spur

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Bordon

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    3 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    1 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  10. Dinosaur Madness

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Binsted

    Experience dinosaurs like never before with our roaming T. rex, baby dino meet-and-greets, and thrilling live shows. Take the dinosaur trail around the Park and discover all the fun facts about these prehistoric creatures, you never know what you…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to31 May 2026
  11. The Big Christmas Present Hunt

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Running over the Christmas school holidays, Saturday December 12 - Sunday 13 and Saturday December 19, 2026 – Sunday January 2, 2027

    10:00am – 4:30 pm

    Can you solve the mystery of Santa's missing present sack this Christmas? Bring the whole family…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to2 Jan 2027Open 10:00 - 16:30
  12. Southampton Thai Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Dance / Dancing

    Southampton

    Family-friendly culture festival involving delicious Thai food, dancing, boxing and more.

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 10:00 - 19:00
    From:
    5 July 2026Open 10:00 - 19:00
  13. KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Whiteley, Fareham

    Make your Sundays better with
    KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar
    With on paying adult
    A great wat to finish of your busy week. On Sunday's eat FREE with a paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction wiht any other offer or discount.

    To book…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Nov 2025to6 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 21:00
  14. Wedding Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Friday September 11

    4:30pm-7:30pm

    Planning your unique wedding day? Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an enchanting evening to discover what your dream wedding day could look like at the Hawk Conservancy Trust!
    Filled with wedding inspiration,…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026Open 16:30 - 19:30
  15. Ventnor Illuminated Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ventnor

    Ventnor Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in with the carnival fun of Ventnor's Illuminated procession!

    Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026
  16. Beer & Steam at Isle of Wight Steam Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    HAVENSTREET

    Head to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Autumn beer festival for a celebration of beer and steam.

    Choose from a huge selection of real ales, there are even a few ciders for those with a sweeter tooth.

    You’ll have the opportunity to try…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
  17. Summer Ball at Oakley Hall Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Oakley, Basingstoke

    Back by popular demand, we are delighted to once again be hosting our annual Summer Ball!

    There is no evening quite like the annual Summer Ball at Oakley Hall Hotel. Set within our stunning 315 acre countryside estate in the heart of the Hampshire…

    Dates

    From:
    6 June 2026Open 19:00 - 23:50
  18. Steam to the Solent with the Steam Town Shanty Crew

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Arvia, Liberty of the Seas. Mein Schiff II and Norwegian Star depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  19. Southsea Food Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Southsea

    The annual Southsea Food Festival is back for 2025!

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to5 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  20. Outdoor Theatre: Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

    Type

    Type:

    Performing Arts

    New Forest

    This Is My Theatre presents Alice's Adventure in Wonderland on Wednesday 12 August 2026.

    Step through the looking glass and into a world where nothing is quite as it seems… Perfect for dreamers of all ages, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland invites…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:00